Taft Promise Neighborhood Initiative Works to Improve Neighborhood Conditions

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

The Taft Promise Neighborhood Initiative is bringing together local organizations, institutions, agencies, city departments, school representatives, residents, and community leaders to enhance educational outcomes at Taft Elementary School and improve conditions in the surrounding neighborhood.

Participants in the initiative are grouped into four councils: education, jobs and economy, health and wellness, and neighborhood. YNDC is the lead agency on the Taft Neighborhood Council, which is comprised of area block watch leaders, residents, city council members, the Mahoning County Land Bank, the South Avenue Area Neighborhood Development Initiative, business owners, City of Youngstown staff, and community police officers. The neighborhood council seeks to achieve six goals: 1) reduce housing vacancy and blight; 2) increase neighborhood safety; 3) reduce lead hazards in housing; 4) increase housing stability for families; 5) increase community and resident engagement and participation; and 6) repair and improve neighborhood infrastructure. Throughout the coming weeks, the council will develop specific action steps that each member can take in order to achieve project goals.